Mothers-to-be should take Relenza

12 April 2012

Pregnancy changes the immune system, so if a pregnant woman catches swine flu they are at a higher risk of developing complications such as pneumonia.

But more important is high temperature. That can cause premature labour, so pregnant women need to control their temperature with paracetamol and fluids, and take antiviral medication early.

They should take Relenza, which is inhaled, rather than Tamiflu, which is in capsule form, because it does not go into the bloodstream. The evidence so far is that there has been no detrimental effect on the pregnancy from the medication. And the vast majority of pregnant women who get swine flu will make a full recovery.

Boon Lim, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Hinchingbrooke hospital

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